Off Season

Chapter 6: Bernie Cavanaugh

Chapter 6: Bernie Cavanaugh

Bernie Cavanaugh is the last to arrive on the island. He’s left on the boat with his single forest green knapsack, which sits between his legs. I don’t know the man from Adam, but find him remotely attractive with his fluff of brown hair, matching eyes, six-one frame, and two-hundred pounds. He has a flat stomach, thick thighs, handsome biceps, and a tiny scar just below the center of his bottom lip. I don’t know where he is from, how old the man is, nor anything about his personal life. The only thing I do know about the guest is simple: he’s going to follow Saul around all weekend, taking notes for a future biography that Bernie will be writing.

Saul has prepared me of his recent shadow during one of our conversations. He explained, “I don’t think he’ll get in the way. If he does, I can just send him back to the mainland under Brett’s care.”

I said, “I’m sure he’ll fit in well.”

“I hope we don’t even notice him. But this book is important to me, and I need it written. Bernie knows how to write and he has been properly recommended to me to create quite the non-fiction piece about my football career for readers to enjoy.”

“What is the book called?” I asked, intrigued.

“Off Season, or something like that.”

“I like it,” I said, and ended our conversation, realizing the importance of this book, which establish Saul as a remembered athlete with unquestionable skills on the field.

* * * *

When Bernie steps off the boat and becomes part of the island our eyes meet in the strangest formula. We connect almost spiritually in a sense, but I can’t begin to understand how or why. Something stings me (in a good way) about the man and I become forward, share an endearing smile with him, reach my right hand out for him to shake, which he does with much force, and I say like a cruise director, “Welcome to Holly Kill Cottage, Mr. Cavanaugh. My name is Jay Falcon. If I can make your stay here pleasant in any way, let me know.”

“Bernie,” he says. “Please call me Bernie.”

“Bernie it is,” I reply, nod, and feel butterflies spin throughout my stomach and southernmost region, intoxicated by the man, his bout of charm, and good looks. Never in the last two years have I seen someone so handsome, a man that raises my temperature a few degrees and causes my knees to wobble. Not at Beckley’s Bar in downtown Vanmer, which I frequent for a beer or two while watching sporting events on Beckley’s massive screens. Not at The Grocerette on Birch Street. Not at The Coffee Spill, a popular and gay coffee shop on Beecher Avenue. Bernie is mouth-opening handsome, a dreamboat if I have ever seen one, and someone I won’t mind spending time with on the island.

“You have a beautiful place here,” he says. “I think I’m going to enjoy this weekend.”

We start our trek to the cottage, climbing the semi-sloped backyard. The knapsack on his back pulls the cotton shirt against his chest and showcases his rippled abs, pecs, and pert n*****s. I can look at him and study his handsomeness for hours, but don’t want to come across as being rude or creepy. Instead, I keep my view on the cottage and say, “Saul told me that you’re writing a book about him. I’m sure you’ll be busy with that this weekend, correct?”

“A little bit,” he answers. “This weekend is dedicated to notes and preparation. I’ll get back to the city and place the notes in an outline. Once my outline is complete, I’ll start writing the first draft, and complete a few drafts thereafter, which I hope to have completed by September.”

“You’re going to be a busy man with this project.”

“I have this theory about life, Jay. Stay busy and enjoy every last minute on this planet because you only get one try.”

I agree with him and tell him that we have similar views about the world and life as men. Truth is I sound ridiculous and nervous, and wish that I can talk to him for the rest of the night, long into the hours that embrace dawn and a golden, summertime sunshine. Unfortunately, there are other guests to care for, talk to, and enjoy, even if I find Bernie Cavanaugh the most interesting and attractive.